[JavaBrewer]

For a 4 year old I'd have to give a thumbs DOWN to the Wild Animal Park - especially this time of year with the heat. Other than a few animal shows the only real viewing is from Tram and the animals are far away. Kids lose interest fast and there is a lot of uphill walking (carrying little ones).

Stick to coast this time of year. Legoland is the greatest park for a kid. As mentioned, sunscreen as trees are still immature. Try to go on the weekday - call ahead for hours. I believe the park is closed one of the weekdays. For dinner go to the Oceanside pier area and walk in the surf - or do take out on the cheap and eat it on the beach just south of Palomar Airport road. If you're in the mood for a beer there is the Carl Strauss brewery close to the Legoland exit. Wife and I go there and they've got good food for kids too.

Second day head downtown and do the zoo. If you're staying in Carlsbad area plan on leaving around 9:30 to avoid the daily Southbound commute on the I-5. Then either stay the whole day in San Diego or leave early (~2:00 pm) to avoid the North bound commute. Kids hate sitting in traffic especially after a full day.

My kids were board with the Scripps Aquarium, as was the first grade class that was touring that day. One last shot, The Aircraft Carrier Midway is now a floating museum on the water front downtown - next door to the cruise ship terminals.